Blu Restaurant

A Montclair, NJ Restaurant Rating and Review

Blu Restaurant 554 Bloomfield Avenue Montclair, NJ 973-509-2202

 

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Price Moderate Fare New American Restaurant Ratings Food             Service               Decor               Overall Rating

Restaurant Review

Most diners report the food is excellent and is bargain priced at below market. Most diners report the food is inventive, and creatively prepared. Some diners report the menu selections are limited. Some diners report the service is inconsistent. Value: Given the quality, the value is exceptional Noise Level: Moderate to high during peak times Dress: Casual Recommended For: Diners who enjoy excellent, inventive food at below market prices. Not Recommended For: Diners who may prefer fine dining amenities in a more upscale atmosphere and are willing to pay higher prices. Recommended dishes: Red Snapper with Asparagus, Fresh Fava, Orange-Almond Emulsion; Duck Breast with Braised Red Cabbage, Caramelized Turnip, Fig-Red Wine Puree; and Hanger Steak with Barley, Caramelized Onion, Blue Cheese Liquor: BYOB

Blu Restaurant, located in a storefront location in Montclair has acquired a reputation for offering quality, inventive food preparations at a below market price.

Sole owner and executive chef Zod Arifai has excellent credentials having honed his skills at the famed Bouley and Aureole restaurants in New York and Charlie Trotter's in Chicago.

Arifai has a penchant for detail and is masterful at using less than gourmet ingredients, such as skate and mackerel, and weaving them with interesting ingredients and flavors to produce an unusual, very tasteful product. Arifai is also busy in the kitchen as the pastry chef turning out an excellent assortment of pastries and desserts.

The dining area is small and sparsely decorated in a narrow, dark space with walls covered in maple paneling and maroon and red acoustic tiles that line a long wall. The ebony-toned wood tables set with linen are spaced closely apart.

Some of the fine dining amenities include individual French-press coffee makers, quality glassware, and a serving of excellent breads.

If you are willing to sacrifice some of the fine dining amenities such as linen table settings and service, their sibling restaurant "Next Door" serves a similar menu at a slightly lower price.

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